The (Men's) U.S. Open golf tournament is going on this weekend. Among the topics being discussed is that Tiger Woods was still in contention for the win, and it appears as though a lot of people are cheering for him to win.
I understood the "Tiger Love" at the beginning of his career. He was a guy who was going to challenge Jack Nicklaus' records at a time when no golfer appeared to be able to dominate the tour. I get that. But in the ensuing years, he developed into a petulant brat who would spit on greens, chastize spectators and generally be a sore loser. When he won he was gregarious, but losing turned his true personality on.
Once his wife chased after him with a 7-iron, I thought America's fascination with him would have ebbed. But instead, it waited for his return and now, when he is in contention for a title, thousands of fans line the fairways to cheer him. That, I don't get.
It is difficult to count on the favor of the American public. Goofballs like Snooki, Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian have huge followings while other, seemingly more deserving artists struggle. It was H.L. Mencken who said, "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public." Got that right, Henry.
And so, they keep on cheering the known adulterer, patholigical liar and spoiled brat. You go, Tiger. And if you keep winning, I will continue to doubt the existence of a higher power. I'll figure that we can do whatever we wish while we're here on Earth and there is no external equalizing force that brings justice to those who violate the rules of life.
And then, I'll realize that it's only golf, and ... who gives a shit?
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